RE: Browning BAR lightweight stalker vs. shorttrac stalker
The original BAR is the BAR Mark 1. I've got one in .30-06. They have steel recievers, and are very similar to the current safaris with 2 major differences that I can think of. There was no bolt release, you must drop the floorplate to close the bolt on an empty magazine. Also, the trigger group did not use drift pins, it was dovetailed into the reciever. It made for a very slick looking package, and I like mine, but I think the MkII safaris are more practical.
As for the longtracs and shorttracs, dont get me started. I cannot stand their eurotrash styling, talk about ruining a classic. I too wonder if right not isnt for the BAR safari what 1995 was for the A-5. Maybe it is the time to get one or 2 just for an investment, the shorttrac writing is on the wall.